Train Operations & Paperwork
Above: Because of the accelerated times, distances and speeds, it is necessary to plan in advance what train is to go where, and approximately when a train will be at any given location. Bruce Chubb used a train charting method, that with computer updating can be quite accurate and descriptive. It provides us with an overview of the railroad over a 12 hour period. The emporia Subcivision incorperates fast time (accelerated clocks) to increase the passage of time. In practice with "fast time", a train that took 5 actual minutes to go from point A to B can take over an hour to do so.
Train Scheduling
Car Cards and Waybills

Left: Car Cards and Waybills provide the operator (train crew) with the information they need to decide "what car goes where". These cards show the cars reporting marks, number and type. Our Car Cards also provide an address for the car to be forwarded home in the event that no waybill is present. Waybils are rotated (cycled) between two and four locations. Theoretically it would be possible to create an infinite series of rotations for each car. However, most operations only need four or less cycles. Other cycles can be achieved by changing out the waybills thus sending the cars to new locations.
Train Cards
Right: Train crews are guided through their train trip by Train Cards. Basically these cards are directions spelling out what is to happen where or when. Any amount of data may be provided to aid in the movement of trains across your layout.It is best to provide a transparent set of orders that provides your operators with all the answers to their operating questions, or at least a contact person to ask. Contact people are generally dispatchers, trainmasters, yardmasters or the general supervisor (usually the railroads owner). Usually these are seasoned operators familiar with the operating scheme of a particular railroad, or a specific territory on that railroad.
Caboose and Locomotive Cards
Above: In order to assign locomotives to throttles, inform the dispatcher and yardmaster of consists and find trains, the Emporia Sub utilizes caboose and loco cards. The caboose cards are identicle and color coded in red. The locomotive cards come in several varieties. Single unit cards are double sided and can represent locomotives running short or long hood forward. Consist cards allow paired locomotives to be assigned by lead unit. The word CONSIST is clearly marked across the center section of each card denoting perminantly paired units. The forward and reverse informs crews as to what direction to assign their locomotives.
Bad Order Cards
Right: In order to facilitate the repair and upgrade of rolling stock, each area of the layout is provided with bad order cards. These card allow crews to quickly and accurately record the failures or shortcommings of rolling stock. This in turn allows useful troubleshooting after the session is over. The cards can also be used for general fleet upgrades such as adding weight and changing coupler over from one type to another.Detail damage is also covered. These forms are filed in a repair box and simple "repair evenings" can be made efficient by using the data provided on the cards.
Car Inspectors Cards
Left: In the theoretical world of model railroading, car failures can also be simulated to enhance operating realism and interest. Prior to highballing any train from major terminals, the departing train crew "draws" a card from a deck. The card either highballs the train or delays it by "creating" a car inspector failure such as bad ordered car, unsupplied waycar or train delay due to repairs of some fashion. These are fun but often frustrating especially when the yard is backed up and the yardmaster is trying to shove the trains out of the yard as quickly as he can find crews. That however, is part of the fun and the train delays the cards represent are prototypical.